The Use of Inanimate Subjects｜How to Make Objects or Events the Subject of a Sentence

In English, it is common to construct sentences in which something other than a person becomes the subject. This is called an inanimate subject.

By using inanimate subjects such as “weather,” “time,” “situations,” or “things,” you can create natural and idiomatic English expressions.

In this lesson, I will explain the basic patterns and applications of inanimate subjects.

1. What Is an Inanimate Subject?

An inanimate subject, as the name suggests, is when a non-human object or event functions as the subject of a sentence.

By expressing sentences in the form of “things or situations do something,” English sentences become more concise and objective.

2. Main Uses of Inanimate Subjects

2-1. Expressing the Cause of Emotions or Actions

When events or things cause emotions or prompt actions, inanimate subjects are used.

2-2. Showing That Roads or Means Lead to Results

Objects such as roads, keys, or tools can be the subject, meaning “they lead to” or “they make something possible.”

2-3. Using Time, Weather, or Situations as the Subject

Time, weather, and events are also frequently used as inanimate subjects.

3. Advantages of Using Inanimate Subjects

The main advantage of using inanimate subjects is that sentences become more concise.

Another advantage is that sentences become more objective.

In scientific writing or business documents, expressions such as “The study shows” or “The results indicate” are very common.

4. Summary

Izumi

Author

「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。